Wang Confirms No Need To Beat Shevchenko

Wang Cong believes beating Valentina Shevchenko is not required to legitimize her status as UFC flyweight champion.

Wang challenges Natalia Silva for the vacant 125-pound title at UFC 332 on Saturday night at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The belt became available after Shevchenko declined to defend it and was stripped by the promotion, per MMA Junkie.

Wang Dismisses Shevchenko Mystique Ahead Of Silva Fight

Wang told MMA Junkie she plans to silence critics of the fight card with her performance. "Originally, I thought I would challenge Valentina for the belt, but it's all right," she said. "Now it's my time to get the belt and then have her challenge me in the future. I don't feel I need to prove myself in beating her to feel like the real flyweight champion. She's just herself. She's not like unbeatable or whatever."

Silva, the top-ranked contender, told UFC her difficult journey included sleeping in a physical therapy room at her gym during lean times. She credited her faith and support system for carrying her through moments when she considered quitting the sport.

The UFC 332 main event airs Saturday on CBS and Paramount Plus.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC 332’s Wang Cong doesn’t need to beat Valentina Shevchenko to be ‘real’ flyweight champion